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Family Victories from Youth Villages Oregon
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A message from our director
( SV[ HJJVTWSPZOLK PU [^V `LHYZ" T\JO TVYL [V KV [V OLSW JOPSKYLU We are very excited to share good news — the results are in and we are changing lives for children and families throughout Oregon! To be honest, when we began our work to transform the trajectory of the lives of children and families throughout Oregon in 2011, we had no idea how hard this work would be. Yet now that we are seeing the results, we know it was worth the effort in every way. And our work has just begun — not only are we serving
@6<;/ =033(.,: 69,.65 )6(9+ 6- +09,*;69: Beth Berselli
twice as many families at a lower-per-family cost with improved outcomes, but we
Bethany Bounds
also have expanded to serve all youth, whether their paths have taken them to
Scott Bruun
the child welfare, mental health or juvenile justice systems of care. For us, it is and
Nick Ehlen*
always has been about the special challenges any child faces in finding permanency
Alistair Firmin
and life success, and addressing those challenges with whatever it takes.
Fred Granum
As I look at our evolution over the past decade, it is amazing to realize the prog-
Joanne Horstkotte
ress that has been made. Due to our unique focus and 20 years of experience mea-
Jodie Hueske
suring outcomes and performance, we know our services make the critical differ-
Steve Hull
ence. We follow up with all our youth at six, 12 and 24 months post discharge and our
Carole Kinnune
success level is more than 80%. Of course, this is a great organizational benchmark,
Krina Lee
but what does it mean to Oregonians?
Charles McGee
It means hope and promise. It means that in a state where 1 in every 2 children is
Megan Murphy
born on Medicaid, there are solutions to ensure that education, family and treat-
Kevin O’Boyle
ment goals are attained. It means that in a state where there are twice as many
H. Patterson “Pat” Ritz*
youth in foster care as in other states our size, we have proven tools to make rapid
Sharr Stark
reductions in the number of youth without permanent families. It means tight public
Scotland Thede*
resources can be deployed for services that are proven effective. And most impor-
Claudia Valderrama
tantly, it means Oregon kids can reach their full potential instead of running the
Dale Walker
gauntlet of services and interventions. I have a New Year’s resolution and I need your help to achieve it: please join me
* also members of Youth
in seeing transformation. Come see our upgraded facilities — the Clark Youth and
Villages’ national
Family Services Center, our Clackamas River Campus or one of our classrooms. Or
board of directors
join us for a ridealong to see Intercept intensive in-home services in action. I guarantee you will be transformed by the experience and inspired by the results. I look forward to your call. Read on — I know you will enjoy this issue of our newsletter. And thank you for your past, present and future support. We have only just begun and are propelled by the success of thousands of youth and families throughout Oregon.
Lynne Saxton Executive Director of Oregon 503-675-2207 lynne.saxton@youthvillages.org
2 Winter 2014
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*82.7% of youth were in state custody at admission to the program.
Program Success (Z H UH[PVUHS SLHKLY PU [OL Ă„LSK VM ILOH]PVYHS OLHS[O @V\[O =PSSHNLZ OHZ TLHZ\YLK V\[JVTLZ VM JOPSKYLU HUK MHTPSPLZ WHY[PJPWH[PUN PU P[Z WYVNYHTZ ZPUJL
),*,5;0 ;6 *669+05(;, *,+(9 )6<./ 796.9(4
:;(;, 796.9(4 :<**,:: 100
Status
Adam Becenti, an enrolled mem-
At one one-year year follow follow-up up
ber of the Navajo Nation, has been named tribal liaison/cultural coor-
80
0
No involvement with the law
20
At home with family
40
72%
88% In school or graduated
60
84%
dinator for the Cedar Bough Native American program at Youth Villages Oregon. The program offers culturally responsive residential treatment for Native American youth and other young people who can benefit
“Growing up, my grandfather taught me traditional Navajo culture and practice, giving me a strong foundation.�
from a strong cultural and spiritual program. In his position, Becenti helps Native American youth connect
The graph above represents the status of Oregon youth at six months after discharge through Dec. 2012. Figures include only youth receiving Intercept in-home services, a new and expanding program in the Oregon area, for at least 60 days of service and reflect a response rate of 65 percent. All youth are followed for two years after discharge.
or reconnect to their cultural
(550=,9:(9@ *,3,)9(;065
Advisory Council led by Dr. John
Becenti
and spiritual heritage in the program. He also works with the program’s Native American Spence. From the clan of Red Running Into the Water, Becenti grew up on the border of the Navajo Tribal Nation in Gallup, N.M.
“Growing up, my grandfather taught me traditional Navajo culture and practice, giving me a strong foundation,� Becenti said. “I’m proud to be helping Native children and youth in this program and will be meeting with tribal leaders throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest to learn more about their needs and expectations for our services.� Becenti has bachelor’s degrees in psychology and ethnic studies from the University of Colorado and a master’s degree in public policy with an emphasis on education policy from the University of Michigan. He worked to recruit and retain Native American students for the University of Colorado and has diverse Youth Villages Oregon celebrated the second anniversary of the merger between Youth Villages and ChristieCare with a special luncheon outside Christie School. In the above photo, Christie School chefs Karen LaVallee, left, and Paula Wilde, pose for a photo.
experience in Native American programs including College Horizons, United National Indian Tribal Youth and the Patty Iron Cloud National Native American Youth Initiative.
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40*96:6-; .9(5; ,5/(5*,: @6<;/ =033(.,:» :,9=0*,: A Microsoft grant of more
search and apply for their
than $7.4 million in software
first jobs.
and technology to Youth
Microsoft YouthSpark is a
Villages is powering a new
global initiative committed
electronic medical records
to creating opportunities for
system for staff who provide
300 million youth in more
intensive in-home, residen-
than 100 countries over the
tial and transitional services
next three years. This com-
in Oregon.
panywide initiative includes
The grant, a part of Micro-
company programs that
soft’s YouthSpark initiative,
empower youth to imagine The Microsoft grant allows Youth Villages to upgrade its technology services to children and youth being helped on residential campuses.
and realize their full poten-
external communications
on the Christie and Clacka-
reporting to parents and
greater opportunities for
systems.
mas campuses completed
referral partners.
education, employment and
also will enhance Youth Villages Oregon’s internal and
“We’re pleased to have
training and recently began
The grant will also allow
tial by connecting them with
entrepreneurship.
Microsoft as one of our most
using Netsmart’s Evolv-CS
an upgrade of Youth Vil-
“Through YouthSpark,
important partners,” said
web-based electronic health
lages Oregon’s Microsoft
we’ve made a commitment
Lynne Saxton, executive
record software system.
Sharepoint internal com-
to provide opportunities for
director of Youth Villages
The grant from Microsoft
munications intranet.
youth to succeed in today’s
Oregon. “This grant allows
has allowed infrastructure,
us to support our staff with
server and workstation en-
grant will be used to up-
said Marietta Davis, gen-
modern clinical records and
hancements, bringing more
grade technology services
eral manager of Microsoft’s
office technology, enabling
access and efficiency to the
provided to children and
Greater Southeast District.
them to do their best work
new system.
youth being helped on resi-
“The Youth Villages grant
Youth Villages Oregon
for children with emotional
Across Youth Villages, the
competitive marketplace,”
dential campuses. Young
will give at-risk youth the
and behavioral problems
staff members use the
adults in the Youth Villages
technology and training
and their families.”
health record system to
transitional living program
critical to success in the
perform critical functions
use computers powered
technology economy. I’ve
work in Youth Villages Ore-
each day, such as accessing
by Microsoft to study for
been so impressed with the
gon’s Intercept intensive in-
medical records, document-
their GED, apply for col-
organization that I joined its
home services program and
ing treatment plans and
leges, prepare resumes and
national board of directors.”
Counselors and staff who
YV colleagues participate in Bridge Pedal event Youth Villages Oregon staff got together and posed before participating in the Portland Bridge Pedal bike ride to benefit children’s health care in the Portland area.
4 Winter 2014
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Youth Villages Oregon’s Mosaic group home program in Oregon City helps young adults ages 17-24 who are transitioning from the children’s mental health system and need ongoing, intensive mental health treatment. The Mosaic staff helps residents build independent living skills and develop educational and employment plans.
( .0(5; /,(9; -69 ,=,9@65, ;6 :,, Chad overcomes difficult past and plans for future success From time to time, people come along who defy convention. Chad is one of those. Physically imposing at more than 6 feet 5 inches, he’s more aptly described with such words as gentle, soft-spoken and thoughtful. But growing up, his size and his
Chad outside Christie School
history followed him from state placement to state placement. Many times,
Chad during his five years in the pro-
tor. He made mistakes, but Mosaic
he was handled more roughly or
gram.
staff were there for support.
“Trust was the big issue during his
“It has been rough at times,” Chad
first year,” Rachel said. “He had some
said. “But when challenging situations
fered a family tragedy and was taken
rough moments, but he saw we were
arise, I reflect on what I learned at Mo-
from his home. He then went through
a support for him and not there to
saic and it helps.”
myriad foster homes and state facili-
dictate what he did.”
severely because of his size. Chad was very young when he suf-
ties before landing in a good foster
And that’s the big difference be-
For many, the Mosaic program offers them an opportunity to interact in the
home in the Portland area. He spent
tween state services for children and
adult world outside of the clinical or
a year there and at 17, he left foster
adults, Rachel said. As a child, your
system setting.
care to participate in Youth Villages
path is highly monitored and account-
Oregon’s Mosaic program.
ed for.
Now 23, Chad will soon move to a
“In the adult system, if you don’t
“They have to decide what their goals are,” Rachel said. “Our big focus is getting to know the youth and build
new town to reunite with his older
want to engage in treatment, you don’t
trust. Once they decide what their
brother and be close to another adult
have to,” Rachel said. “As an adult, you
goals are, we offer support to help
who supports him.
have to make the appointments and
them achieve their goals.”
“The Mosaic program was very im-
then get to the appointments. If you’ve
Chad wants to work for himself. He
portant for me,” Chad said. “It helped
never done that before, it can be a
enjoys fishing, and said he’d like to tie
me learn and grow.”
struggle the first few times.”
his own fly-fishing flies. But he saved
And that’s not all. Chad had basic in-
“I went from having no control over
securities and behavior issues because
what I did to being given the reins to
of his traumatic past. On top of that, he
my everyday life,” Chad said. “At first
was obstinate, and didn’t like being told
it kind of threw me for a loop.”
his highest praise for the Mosaic program and staff. “If I hadn’t gone there, I would probably be in some state facility
what to do. When he entered Mosaic,
Chad looked for a job. He managed
he learned basic life skills, how to be
a budget and bought food for himself,
myself,” Chad said. “It’s easy, but you
more self-sufficient and how to make
preparing his own meals and washing
have to work at it. You have to take
good choices on his own. Program
his clothes. Chad found work as a prep
advantage of the program and get the
Manager Rachel Johnson supported
cook and also as a peer support opera-
most out of it.”
unaware and unable to take care of
Winter 2014
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5(;065(3 */(90;@ 3,(.<, /,37: 7<; */90:;0, 05 /(336>,,5 :7090;
The Lake Oswego chapter of the National Charity League helped Youth Villages Oregon get into the Halloween spirit by decorating the Christie Campus. The National Charity League is a mother-daughter philanthropic organization that seeks to change lives by inspiring and empowering women to succeed as confident, well-rounded and socially aware contributors in their communities. The Lake Oswego chapter has partnered with Youth Villages Oregon for the past five years, planning activities for the children in Youth Villages’ programs, decorating the campus during holidays, serving at special events and donating hygiene packets and art supplies. Kids and staff also celebrated Halloween with a trick-or-treating party at Youth Villages Oregon’s new Clark Youth and Family Services Center.
.63-,9: :<7769; */03+9,5 (; @= 69,.65 *<7 796 (4 More than $68,000 was raised to benefit children in Youth Villages Oregon programs at the 10th Annual YV Oregon Cup Pro Am golf tournament at Columbia Edgewater Country Club in Portland. Eighty golfers from across Oregon and Washington competed in the YV Oregon Cup, the only pro am golf tournament sponsored by the Oregon PGA benefitting a nonprofit organization. Above, the winning team members pose with Youth Villages Oregon Executive Director Lynne Saxton, including professional golfer Mark Keating of Meriwether National Golf Club in Hillsboro, Mike Graham of Gearhart, Peter Roscoe of Astoria, John Pyle of Portland and Richie Schroder of Portland.
At left, overall professional winner Tim Hval of Portland Golf Club with Saxton.
6
Winter 2014
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Thank you The following donors made
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gifts of $1,000 or more to Youth Villages Oregon between
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July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013. The board of directors and staff of Youth Villages Oregon gratefully acknowledge these thoughtful contributions. If you made a contribution during this time and it is not listed, please call the Youth
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Villages Development Department, 503-675-2206.
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.,; *,3,)90;@ :;@3," /,37 */03+9,5 Stand tall for America’s most vulnerable children in these fabulous shoes. The online retailer Milk & Honey Shoes has teamed with five generous celebrities to offer Youth Villages’ supporters an exciting new way to help children. Kristin Chenoweth, Kimberly WilliamsPaisley, CariDee Eng-
Thinking of a planned gift? Whether you’re planning such a
1605 6<9 ,--69;: Your support
trust for Youth Villages, we have a
can have
portion of our website devoted to
a direct
donations and planned giving.
impact on of the chil-
youthvillages.org/plannedgiving
dren we Steve Benskin
introduction to planned giving and a category titled
retailer, to benefit the children being helped by Youth Villages.
help every
When you purchase a pair of these specially Betsy Stark Miller
Please call or e-mail
a plan, including wills and bequests, gifts of appreci-
Youth Villages to find out
ated stock or gifts of real estate. In addition, there is a
how to help.
an estate intention form and much more. For information, please contact Steve Benskin at 901-251-4820 or e-mail steve.benskin@youthvillages.org.
designed shoes, 100 percent of the pro-
day in Oregon.
“How Can I ...,� which lists all the vehicles included in
section on “why do I need a will,� a glossary of terms,
have designed shoes online custom shoe
the future
be valuable to you. Simply go to and you’re there. You will find an
and Kayla Farhang for Milk & Honey, an
gift as writing a will or setting up a
It contains information that may
lish, Ashley Williams
ceeds benefit Youth Villages. Visit www.milkandhoneyshoes.com and choose your shoes
Betsy Stark Miller
today for an easy and
betsy.miller@youthvillages.org
stylish way to help the
503-675-2206
kids who need it most.
Winter 2014
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7
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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID YOUTH VILLAGES
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New Heights Oregon is published by Youth Villages Managing Editor: Betsy Miller Associate Editor: Chris Pennington Please e-mail betsy.miller@youthvillages.org or call 503-675-2206 to have your name removed from our mailing list.
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